Eyeglass Pouches

Just finished up a custom order for some Flex-Frame Eyeglass Pouches.  The order was only for four (all shown on the left), but I figured that it would be more efficient to make a couple more at the same time, so I made six.  I only had one left in stock in my Etsy shop, so I needed some more anyway.  I hope to get these two extra ones (the two on the right) listed in the next couple of days.

Speaking of Etsy - a little while ago they made some changes to the way our Etsy shops look, and I love what they did.  The information is presented much more clearly to the viewer now, and the placement of everything makes so much more sense than it did before.

They also gave us the opportunity to publish an "About" page for our shops, giving the viewer a chance to get a glimpse into our studios and learn a little bit about what we do, and how we do it.  I've been rolling ideas around in my head for the last few months, trying to decide how to present mine.  I don't know about you, but I find it really difficult to write about myself, let alone pick a profile picture that I like!  I know - we're our own worst critic when it comes to pictures of ourselves.

So anyway, I spent several hours yesterday working on my About page, and finally published it.  Done!  It's not perfect, but I'm happy, and now I can get back to my sewing...

If you're interested and want to take a peek, here's a link.  And please, don't be afraid to point out any typos, or anything that doesn't make sense, etc.  Feedback is always appreciated!

Tasting Table Tuesday - Brrrrrrr!!!

It's so cold here in Northern PA today.  Light snow is falling along with the temperatures.  And it's supposed to get even colder tomorrow.  So I'm hunkered down in my Cotton Cellar and getting lots accomplished.

I've got my backing fabric sewn and pressed for the two quilts I worked on at retreat, so they're both ready for basting.

The honey bee fabric I've picked for the back of the Pinwheel quilt is so cute!  It's called Cherish Nature by Deb Strain.

Have you ever been reluctant to use a favorite fabric?  That's the case with this gorgeous white & gray Echo print by Lotta Jansdotter.  I've been hoarding it for months and I cringe every time I think about cutting into it.  So it took some guts, but I finally cut a chunk off for the back of my Chevron quilt.  I think I still have about a yard leftover so I can still have some to look at any time I want.  I just love it and it's perfect for this quilt!  (one of my New Year's Resolutions - stop hoarding and start using!)

My daughter asked me if I'd like to donate some items to their PTO fund-raiser this spring, so I whipped up a couple of wristlets with my Zip Pocket Pouch pattern by Michele's Patterns.  I've made lots of these and really like the design - especially with the addition of the wrist strap.

I also made two more Flex-Frame Gadget Pouches this week.  One was a custom Etsy order, and I'll list the other one in my shop, or maybe donate it to the PTO as well...  not sure yet.

I've also been crocheting some new neckwarmers to list in my shop.  They've been quite popular and I'm down to only one left in inventory, so it's time to make some more.  These ones are ready for the quilted buttons.  I really enjoy digging through my batik scraps to pick out just the right fabric to make into a quilted button for these scarves.  I like to pick a fabric that really pops on the scarf, then add some free-motion quilting, so it ends up looking like a special piece of custom jewelry.

This one isn't quite done yet - but almost!

So that's what is on my Tasting Table Today.  And I've still got one more fun, BIG, project coming up that I can't wait to share with you.  I might have something ready to show you next week if my schedule goes as planned...  What are you working on today?

Cheers!

May Giveaway Day

It's May Giveaway Day (all week, actually!).  This is a great event hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew! and includes lots of great giveaway prizes.

The item that I've chosen to give away to one lucky reader is a Flex-Frame Eyeglass/Gadget Pouch, made by me.  Even though it's designed for glasses, you can use it for lots of other things - how about a rotary cutter case?  (sorry - glasses & rotary cutter not included).  If you'd like to see more of these flex frame gadget pouches, I have several listed on my Etsy shop called Cotton Cellar.  Click here to visit my shop.

A Flex-Frame pouch is so easy to use with just one hand - simply squeeze the sides of the pouch top and it pops open, then snaps shut again when you release it. I have added a split key ring on the back of the pouch so it can be attached to a belt loop, purse or backpack. So handy when you're hiking or biking! Just clip it on and off you go!


The main outer fabric is medium-weight cotton, imported from Sweden, with funky retro-style eyeglasses printed on it. The sleeve that covers the flex-frame, as well as the inner lining, is a black and white contemporary quilting cotton. The pouch and the sleeve are entirely backed with fusible fleece for extra padding to protect your glasses. The top of the pouch is top-stitched with a double row of black stitches.


The main pouch measures 3 1/2" wide and 6" long. The overall length, including the flex frame at the top, measures 7".


I've shown two pouches here, but the giveaway is just for ONE (glasses & rotary cutter not included). To enter the giveaway contest, just leave a comment below this post indicating which color you like best - red or yellow.


The comment period will close on May 25th at 8pm EST, when Mr. Random Number Generator will select the winner, and I will announce the winner here no later than May 26th.  If you're a no-reply blogger, please include your email address in your comment so I'll be able to notify you if you win.  International readers are welcome to participate.  Good luck!


And don't forget to pop on over to Sew, Mama, Sew! and check out all the other great prizes.  We're all linking up over there, so you can see what every one else is giving away.


Comment period is now closed.  Winner to be announced shortly!  Thanks for participating in my giveaway!

Two Turtle Pouches

I've been very busy sewing Christmas projects, so there hasn't been much that I could share with you lately, but I'm almost caught up now, so I took a day off and made two more Flex-Frame Gadget/iPhone Pouches. The last one I made with the turtle stitching was so popular, that I was asked to make another one. If I'm going to make one, then I might as well make two, so here you go - Two Turtle Pouches. One is reserved, but the other will go on sale at Needles Quilt Shop tomorrow. Now, how can I make one with a Partridge In A Pear Tree... hmm...

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for this year. The most important is that we were blessed with our first two grandchildren this year - a girl and a boy - life couldn't be better! We are truly thankful.
Now, for the crafty-stuff... Two dear friends knew that I was looking for a dress form to use that would work as a model for my purse photos. They found this one for me at a nearby shop and she works great! Thanks girls!!! I bought a new outfit for her at my local Goodwill shop, so the price was perfect. I hope to photograph her modeling some pretty new purses soon. Just can't think of the perfect name for her though... Any suggestions?
And just as I thought I was getting caught up on my Christmas projects, new orders came in. First, a batch of zippered bags - these are all pretty pastel colors with dolphins leaping through the waves - so serene...
And I've had requests for some more flex-frame pouches. The black one on the left is for an iPhone. The customer requested plain black (for a man), but I had to add a smidgen of style with the grey stitching. Black on black is just too boring... The one on the right is for eyeglasses - just love that ladybug fabric!
I've also been asked to come up with some unique cases for iPhones and iPads, based on the customer's specific requirements. Don't know exactly how this will turn out, but I've got my thinking cap on and I'll see what I can come up with. I love challenges, and I'm sure I'll come up with something that he'll be happy with.
In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by!